New to Chinook

[chin_k]

Premier is the most economic model. XL has more options than regular Concourse.

[deppstein]

I don't know anything about the larger Rigs (Cascade, Glacier). The larger bathroom/shower or regular bed option was not worth it to us, compared to the smaller size of the Premier or Concourse. Being able to park in our driveway, get around town easily, AND qualify for regular campsites rather than being relegated to the RV section of campgrounds was of paramount importance to us. We gravitate to "pretty" sites that are wooded more than open, and since we removed the microwave (now pantry storage for food) and really don't run AC (in fact, got rid of the on board Onan generator to create even more storage!), we don't really need shore power, except when it gets really cold at night and we want to use heat. With the 200 watt solar suitcase we have, and the 1000 watt Honda quiet inverter generator, our limitation is water and dumping, not power.
The shower is not luxurious by any stretch, but it is plenty adequate for keeping clean while on the road. Keep in mind that 6 gallons of hot water is not going to get you a long hot shower no matter what position you are in. And we've found that campground showers are usually clean, hot, and more relaxing--caveat would be this time of traveling in Corona...we came cross country in March (to be with our daughter and her husband at time of new baby), self-isolating all the way...showered in Rig every other day and it was fine for that.
As for regular made-up bed...we actually love our sofa and dinette lay out. For lounging about, it feels quite spacious...like a cabin in the woods. And going from that to full queen + bed is a piece of cake. We have our system down (sleeping pads--stored behind couch during the day--covered by sheet that "snugs" them together with double sleeping bag thrown over that. All bedding stores easily in overhead above cab section. The table coverts easily...though I did end up reinforcing the top wood "catch" piece where it goes into the window wall...original kept coming loose.
Regarding Premier vs. Concourse...I really don't see very much difference. 3-burner stove vs. 2...who cares? As for level of finish...not really much different--our Premier, for example, is all cherry...so go figure. As discussed previously, if you are looking at Concourse vs Premier, go with shape its in, layout you like, and mileage rather than one model over the other. Hope that helps.
David

[FatBuoy]

Thanks again, guys! Ok, so I looked at one. What an awesome machine. Please let me know what you think it's worth. Best guess. Won't hold you to anything, promise. I just want to get a ballpark from all of the knowledge you have gained over the years, as I've seen quite a variance in asking prices out there.

2000 Concourse XL21. 67k miles. Super clean. I would give it an 8.5, and that's being critical. Generator didn't start, but I'm sure it's ok. I will definitely get to the bottom of that before proceeding. New tires. The only thing I could find was evidence of a leak up front, before the cab starts, on the ceiling. I climbed on top and saw where there was fresh sealant around the vent, and whatever that metal thing that raises is. There was fairly fresh sealant. Not sure what's used, but definitely more permanent than caulk. The water stain isn't bad, but it's there.

What do you think? Perhaps a range?

[deppstein]

Is it the layout you want? Do the systems work (water, hot water, 12v, shore power connection, propane heater—make sure vents are open to let hot air circulate or it will keep shutting off). All of that stuff is pretty easily repaired/replaced...but worth knowing relative to purchase price. Same with any chassis work...brakes, shocks, etc.
As for price—point of reference. We bought our 2004 Premier in pristine condition with 16,000 miles on it in 2012 for $37,500. There is a 2003 concourse (I believe) with 67,000 miles for sale in classifieds on this forum asking $49K. So, I dunno, a 2000 with 67,000 miles—between $20-30K maybe???
Only other advice I can offer is that if you really want it, don’t walk away on account of a couple thousand bucks. If you know you want a used rig this size, Chinook with good bones is as good as it gets in my humble opinion.
David

[chin_k]

$20 to 30K is a good ball park for a relatively good shape Concourse. I would definitely get concern with the generator, leak, and recent sealant. I am a bit cynical about new sealant and new tire... wonder what happened... BTW, new tires means tires made less than a year ago, or tires that looks like new?

[FatBuoy]

$20 to 30K is a good ball park for a relatively good shape Concourse. I would definitely get concern with the generator, leak, and recent sealant. I am a bit cynical about new sealant and new tire... wonder what happened... BTW, new tires means tires made less than a year ago, or tires that looks like new?

Good questions, and callout. The leak, over the tires, would be my biggest concern. They said the tires were replaced 1.5 years ago. This unit was purchased by an elderly gentleman two years ago. Shortly after he purchased it, he fell ill. Sadly, he passed 6 weeks ago. It's for sale by his wife and daughter. So, they only used it once, then it sat in storage. I will help to get the generator started. It cranks, just doesn't fire. I'll do this even if I don't end up buying it. Super nice folks. But back to the evidence of a leak. I mentioned from where it came. Would this not be a common issue for a 20 year old unit that was never resealed, then done so when it started to pour in? Like I said, it was around the front vent and where that thing is that's on top. I have no idea what that thing it, but it looks like it raises? It's long and metal.

$20-$30k is a wide range. The asking price is $32k.

[deppstein]

I believe the thing on the top that you are referencing is the metal antenna mechanism for what was (or is) the TV. I removed the TV (old school) first thing, as well as disassembling the antenna mechanism and then sealing it. So, to me that would not be a deal killer at all. Same with tires, though I agree with Chin_k that you should check date stamp on tire to make sure they are recently manufactured and not just new looking (there is thread somewhere on forum about that).
Generator...take it to Cummins...they'll get it up and running quickly, I bet. Having sat that long, not surprised it won't run.
Given the rest of your description of the Rig, I would not draw a line in the sand below $32. As I said, if you know you want a used Rig in this size category and layout suits, don't be afraid to pay the $32 they are asking. I think you would ultimately regret letting it go more than having paid the asking price when you look back a year from now. That was certainly the case with us. I was going to walk, and my wife said "pay them the $1500 more that they are asking for." SO glad she did!
David

[SMan]

Just a word on Cummings and generators.................

I have had two generators repaired at Cummings because of poor running. Both times I was charged over $500. Pretty steep IMHO. When I bought my Chinook it had the same issue. I decided to order a carb off Amazon and changed it in about 15 minutes. Been running great since. (My Cummings dealer said it was a 2 hour job)

This is just one RVers experience. YMMV.

[chin_k]

On the genset, one quick thing you should check is to make sure there are sufficient gas in the tank for it to fire up. You need at least 1/4 (mine is closer to 1/3) for the fuel pickup tube to get the gas and pump to the carb. You may need to crank it 3 or 4 times for it to work, unless it has a priming mechanism (my 2000 rig does not seem to have it). Go take a look at the manual. If it works, you are in luck. If it does not, then I would say you are looking at paying a few hundred dollars in repair. BTW, how many hours is on the genset?

For the leak, check under the overhead shelf under the TV antenna to make sure there is no rot or mold. The main reason I got the Concourse is because Chinook is just much better when it come to having a leak at all compare to other RV. If it *does* leak, I would definitely take a closer look, since it can be a real pain to fix, if it got neglected for too long. It can be a heartbreaking experience.

[Flame]

Just for reference...we purchased our 1998 Concourse with only 30,000 miles. It was in like new condition. They were asking $22,500 I believe.This was from the second owners of the vehicle. We offered $18,000 and they said $18,500. I argued with them when they said that was the lowest they would go. I almost walked away but my wife said we're already here...lets get it. After owning it now for 2 years and 25,000 miles later I realize how close I was to making a STUPID decision back then by walking from the deal!! WE LOVE OUR CHINOOK!!………..Things we ended up needing...tires looked great but were 6 years old so we replaced them. But I sold the used set for $200!! Cruise control quit and costs $300 to get replaced. Front brakes locked up on a trip to Florida. So complete front brake job with bearings,lines and rotors. $1000. Rebuilt complete front end with new parts and 4 new shocks and alignment to get a bad "pull" out. Another $1000. In the cab heater "door" went bad so heater would not work with vaccume like it should. $200. I have just recently done other improvements but not the fault of the Chinook. I just did upgrades. I did purchase 2 new batteries for $82 each at Wal-mart. Total everything up at around $3,000. That ain't bad considering...this thing is 22 YEARS OLD!!! Things are going to dry up and deteriate from non use!! We are VERY HAPPY CAMPERS!! Good luck on your purchase!! The people on this forum are GREAT and will save you a lot of time and money on everything Chinook!!